Brindley's of Stone Narrowboat

A grey and rainy evening probably isn't the best way to thoroughly appreciate a cruise on a narrowboat restaurant but such was our fate due to the popularity of Brindley's of Stone and this summer's unseasonal weather.

Hence we stood in a bedraggled huddle on the towpath, waiting to be allowed on board the floating restaurant. But entertainment was provided by the picturesque setting and the canal's wildlife, which we watched through the drizzle.

Brindley's gets so full over the summer months, it is necessary to book well in advance, particularly for a large party.

It is popular for celebrations as well as with couples seeking a dining experience with a difference.

The boat is subtly decorated and lends a cosy atmosphere to any event. I expected the tables to be slightly staggered but they lined each side of the boat, making for a slightly cramped effect as waitresses bustled past. My only other quibble was the fact that, for a somewhat short customer like myself, the panoramic windows were a little too high to allow me a good view of the waterside, which is obviously one of the key attractions of the restaurant.

So a warning to any vertically challenged folk out there - take a cushion for a better view. But it was still nice to see what I could of the world go by, as we drifted along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Sandon and back.

Diners' choice of food has to be pre-booked from a set menu before the night in question, presumably due to the limited space and cooking facilities on the boat.

After a leisurely drink to kick-start the night, we moved on to the starters. Mine was the delicious traditional farmhouse pate with crusty bread. The pate was smooth and creamy, tasty without being too rich and overpowering, accompanied by an impressive array of seeded breads.

My companion enjoyed the warm salad of chicken, bacon and mushroom, which was flavoursome and a substantial dish in its own right.

The starters were followed by a delicious iced mango soup, which cleared the palate.

My friend quickly devoured the topside of Staffordshire beef with chasseur sauce, which was an excellent combination of tender meat and rich dressing.

I had plumped for the citrus seared tuna fillet with a rhubarb compote, which was an imaginative mix of flavours that went well together. I was slightly disappointed that the "compote" appeared to be just a dollop of stewed rhubarb but it tasted good and was accompanied by a nicely cooked range of vegetables.

As a major pudding enthusiast, I was seriously impressed with my dessert - strawberries with whipped vanilla cream and Belgian chocolate. The succulent fruit was smothered in glorious melted chocolate.

My dining companion wolfed down the cream profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce, which obviously met with his enthusiastic approval.

The boat had a well-stocked bar and we chose a pleasant red wine to accompany our food. We received prompt, efficient service from the two waitresses and our meal, which was nicely rounded off with coffee and chocolate mints, cost £28 each - good value for five courses, plus a three-hour canal cruise. Brindley's of Stone is housed within a 70ft narrowboat, called Aquarius, which seats 36 diners.

The evening included travelling through a lock, which made for a fascinating interlude for novice boaters among the diners.

There has been a floating restaurant in Stone for a good few years but when the original owner died it was sadly missed by his customers, including Geoff Morris and Heather Lawton.

So the couple took on the challenge and have now run the floating restaurant for almost three years. Brindley's of Stone is open on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes.

It also hosts seasonal themed evenings, offers corporate hospitality and can be booked for special occasions such as wedding celebrations.

Wyn Matthews

Trent & Mersey Canal,

Stafford Road, Stone

Tel: 01785 812210